Move away from the expected gallery-white art wall and saturate a single wall, including any doors and trim, in a bold, can’t-be-missed colour, like this cobalt blue. Carry the display across by painting out a door for a hidden-passage feel. A canary yellow settee cranks up the contrast and also draws attention away from the door.

This pre-fabricated luxury Nexterra home was assembled in just one day. Designer Laura Felstiner introduced colour to the modern interior through artwork, throw pillows and a bright blue rug. The LEED platinum certified prefab home was also outfitted with green features like cork, reclaimed wood furniture and finishes from recycled materials.

In this country-style dining area, pretty white flowers mimic the delicate pattern in the wallpaper. A weathered wood cabinet with louvered doors and mismatched chairs add character while keeping the space casual.

Pattern and seaside-inspired colour brings personality to this bright and airy space.

A daring mix of patterns used on the chair and bench cushions and carpet achieves a harmonious look in this sunny cottage breakfast room. The classic blue and white palette makes for a fresh, crisp aesthetic.

This space bears all the hallmarks of Sarah Richardson’s signature style and richly detailed, decorative aesthetic. The formality of the traditional dining room is tempered by whimsical patterned wallpaper in Tiffany-box blue. The chandelier, a Murano glass design, is a pared-down version of a more traditional lighting fixture. A mirrored sideboard adds an element of sparkle.

This room showcases “traditional design at its best,” according to Cassandra LaValle, author of the popular design blog, Coco + Kelley. “It’s a case study in how a monochromatic palette can be anything but boring! The juxtaposition of the chairs helps keep things from feeling too matchy while the grand chandelier, delicately shaped mirrors and simple artwork add beautiful finishing touches. I love the way the natural wood stands out against this saturated blue!”

Lively injections of turquoise and flora and fauna motifs are recurrent themes in designer Karen von Hahn’s formal living room. A shade of soft grey on the walls and couch keeps the overall look polished.

Reenergize a hallway or room by hanging striped wallpaper horizontally in the space below the chair rail, a trick that helps make narrow rooms feel wider.

To ensure an even look, position the paper so the lowest and highest stripes are the same colour; install the painted chair rail after the wallpaper has been hung. Then, match the wall’s paint colour to the stripe.

Swooping wicker chairs are like functional sculpture in this sitting area.

A maple window seat topped with a series of colourful cushions runs the width of the room, offering both seating and storage. Calm-blue walls, a patterned rug and a cable-knit pouf add colour and texture.

Cool-blue custom chairs by Sarah Richardson Design strike an elegant note in this living room design.

In the home of Andrea Lenczner of the fashion label Smythe, this space epitomizes personal style. The painting is by friend Michael Adamson, the collection of vases was a gift and the silver Arne Jacobson ashtray is a vintage piece.

A vibrant blue cotton rug and pillow liven up a sophisticated sitting area.

The high-gloss white mantel pops against a grey feature wall, painted one shade darker than the rest of the room to create depth. On-trend decorating touches, such as the zebra ottoman, vintage lamps with black shades and book-stuffed fireplace, add character.

See the rest of this quaint living room in the 2008 Makeovers special issue.

Designer Muriel Brandolini designed this Southampton home with clouds and water in mind. In the media room, she chose a Slice sofa by Pierre Charpin upholstered in cashmere colors inspired by men’s suits.

Use colour-blocking to inject scale and character into a featureless room. Paint walls and baseboards a pale, powdery hue, then mimic old world moulding by taping out panels in the middle of each wall and painting these a darker shade of the base colour to create a sense of dimension.

Traditional furniture and accessories are given an industrial feel with an exposed brick wall and pipes along the ceiling, while a fresh mix of blue and beige floral, trellis and herringbone patterned bedding add comfort and warmth.